drunken driving

Former Rep. Durham arrested on drunken driving charges

Former Rep. Jeremy Durham’s booking photo. (Image credit: Metro Nashville Police)

Police arrested former state Rep. Jeremy Durham (R-Franklin) in Nashville’s downtown tourist district over the weekend on charges of drunken driving, possession of drug paraphernalia, and resisting arrest.

Durham was ousted from the House in 2016 after the Attorney General’s Office issued a report detailing allegations of sexual misconduct against 22 women. According to an officer’s affidavit, Durham was involved in a crash at the corner of 1st Avenue and Broadway just after 11 p.m. on Saturday. When police arrived at the scene, Durham allegedly tried to walk away and pulled away from being placed in handcuffs.

When they searched Durham, police said they found a metal grinder containing marijuana residue. They also said Durham had slurred speech, dilated pupils, was unsteady on his feet, had a strong odor of residue on his breath. Durham declined to participate in a sobriety test so officials requested a warrant to take a blood sample.

Durham was released on bond at 4:30 a.m. on Sunday morning.

Secretary of State Hargett convicted on DUI charge

Secretary of State Tre Hargett speaks with Rep. Curtis Johnson (R-Clarksville) on Jan. 29, 2018 in Nashville. (Photo credit: Erik Schelzig, Tennessee Journal)

Secretary of State Tre Hargett has entered a ”best interest” plea on a drunken driving charge following a visit to the Bonnaroo music festival earlier this year. He has served his 48-hour sentence and attended a victim impact course. Hargett last month gave up access to his state car for at least a year. He has no plans to resign.

A best interest plea, which is also known as an Alford plea, is one in which a defendant does not admit guilt but acknowledges the prosecution’s case would have likely resulted in a guilty verdict.

Here’s Hargett’s statement:

Today I offered a best interest plea to the charge of DUI. My counsel believes I had a strong case to argue before the court, and I have been surprised by some events and actions during this experience. However, my desire is to accept responsibility for my actions and move forward and to focus on how God can use me to make something positive from this difficult time.

The last few months have been humbling and at times very dark for me. I am deeply grateful to my wife and family for their support. Additionally, I have been overwhelmed by the kindness, grace, and forgiveness offered to me by so many people. Your consideration and courtesy will always be remembered.

It is wrong to drive any vehicle under the influence of alcohol, and rest assured this is a mistake I will never make again.

Hargett charged with DUI after Bonnaroo visit

Secretary of State Tre Hargett speaks with Rep. Curtis Johnson (R-Clarksville) before Gov. Bill Haslam’s final State of the State address on Jan. 29, 2018 in Nashville. (Photo credit: Erik Schelzig, Tennessee Journal)

Secretary of State Tre Hargett has been charged with drunken driving after attending the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Coffee County.

Hargett was at the event from Friday afternoon through around 11:30 p.m. when he was stopped by Tullahoma police. He was given a blood test and charged with DUI.

“Driving Under the Influence is a serious matter, and I regret the circumstances that led to my arrest,” Hargett said in a statement. “I respect law enforcement and will trust the legal process as we move forward.”

Hargett is a former state House minority leader who was elected by a joint convention of the legislature to his first four-year term as secretary of state in 2009.

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